This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In "Woman, know thy place" (Forum, March 25), James Marples expressed dismay at women being allowed to pray at the upcoming LDS General Conference: "If Brigham Young were alive today, I'm certain he would denounce women overshadowing the proper sphere of men."

Brigham Young stated: "We have sisters here who … would make just as good mathematicians or accountants as any man; and we think they ought to have the privilege to study these branches of knowledge that they may develop the powers with which they are endowed. We believe that women are useful not only to sweep houses, wash dishes, make beds, and raise babies, but that they should stand behind the counter, study law or physic [medicine], or become good book-keepers and be able to do the business in any counting house, and this to enlarge their sphere of usefulness for the benefit of society at large."

The next time Marples wants to invoke the wrath of a prophet, he should do his research first. Brigham Young may have lived 150 years ago, but he was still more progressive than Marples. "Chauvinistic piglet," indeed.